Convenience Store Woman | Sayaka Murata | Contemporary Fiction | Book Review

 

Are you an Introvert or an Extrovert ❓❓❓ Do you like meeting people ❓❓❓

As a true introvert, I've found my refuge in books. They’ve become my trusted companions, offering solace and understanding. I prefer connecting with people who share this same passion – with them, I can lose track of time, talking for hours. 

Name of Book: Convenience Store Woman

Author: Sayaka Murata

Publisher: Granta

Publication Date: 2 May 2019

No. of Pages: 107

Format: Digital

Convenience Store Woman is the heartwarming and surprising story of thirty-six-year-old Tokyo resident Keiko Furukura. Keiko has never fit in, neither in her family, nor in school, but when at the age of eighteen she begins working at the Hiiromachi branch of Smile Mart, she finds peace and purpose in her life. In the store, unlike anywhere else, she understands the rules of social interactionmany are laid out line by line in the stores manualand she does her best to copy the dress, mannerisms, and speech of her colleagues, playing the part of a normal person excellently, more or less. Managers come and go, but Keiko stays at the store for eighteen years. Its almost hard to tell where the store ends and she begins. Keiko is very happy, but the people close to her, from her family to her coworkers, increasingly pressure her to find a husband, and to start a proper career, prompting her to take desperate action.

One of the most celebrated of the new generation of Japanese writers, Sayaka Murata has won not only the prestigious Akutagawa Prize, but the Gunzo, Noma, and Mishima Yukio Prizes as well. Her story, 'A Clean Marriage', was featured in Granta 127 Japan. She is 36-years-old and works part-time in a convenience store.

Ginny Tapley Takemori has translated Ryu Murakami, Miyabe Miyuki, Akiyuki Nosaka, and Kyotaro Nishimura, among others. Her translation of Tomiko Inui's The Secret of the Blue Glass was shortlisted for the Marsh Award.

My Opinion

Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata explores the subtle depths of human nature, shedding light on the nuances that often go unnoticed. This isn’t a typical story with a clear beginning and end; instead, it delves into a specific phase of the protagonist Keiko’s life, allowing readers to witness the struggles and complexities of being "different" in a society that defines and pressures conformity.

The story's protagonist, Keiko, is a character I found deeply relatable. Her unique perspective and detached approach to life challenge conventional norms and expectations, offering insights into individuality and societal judgment. In a world where "normal" is often imposed, Murata captures the essence of those who simply don’t fit in – people who are often misunderstood by others who consider themselves "normal."

This was my first time reading Sayaka Murata, and her unique voice has left a strong impression on me. While the book’s open-ended conclusion fits the theme, I would have personally preferred a more closed, definitive ending. However, the story remains powerful, and I’m excited to explore more of Murata’s works in the future. Overall, I would rate Convenience Store Woman 4 stars. This captivating novel is a must-read for those interested in character-driven stories that explore identity, social norms, and the desire to belong. The book deserves 4 stars.

• Characters ------------------ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Atmosphere ---------------- ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Writing Style -------------- ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Plot ------------------------- ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Intrigue -------------------- ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Logic ---------------------- ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Enjoyment ---------------- ⭐⭐⭐⭐